No Surprises. No Mystery. Just a Process That Works.
The biggest reason people don't switch accounting firms isn't price — it's not knowing what they're signing up for. So here's exactly what happens when you become an Accounting Freedom client, from your first call through your first year and beyond.
From First Call to Ongoing Partner
Here's what the journey looks like — step by step.
The Discovery Call
Your first conversation is about fit — not a sales pitch. We'll ask about your business, your current accounting situation, and what you're looking for. You'll ask us questions too. At the end, we'll both know whether it makes sense to move forward.
- ✓ 30-minute call with no obligation
- ✓ We'll recommend the right service tier for your situation
- ✓ You'll get a clear picture of pricing and what's included
- ✓ Honest answer if we're not the right fit
Onboarding & Cleanup
Once you decide to move forward, we get to work. We handle the transition — no paperwork maze, no chaos. We'll get access to your QuickBooks Online file, bank and credit card accounts, review your history, and clean up anything that needs attention. The timeline depends on how far back we need to go to get you fully caught up.
- ✓ QBO access and setup handled by our team
- ✓ Bank and credit card account access established
- ✓ Historical cleanup if needed
- ✓ Chart of accounts reviewed and organized
- ✓ Clear expectations set for the monthly workflow
- ✓ Introduction to your dedicated Client Advisor
First Month in Motion
Your first full month as a client. We run the complete monthly accounting process — reconciliations, journal entries, financial statements. At the end of the month, you'll see exactly what you're getting and how it works.
- ✓ Full bank and credit card reconciliation
- ✓ Balance sheet and P&L delivered
- ✓ First monthly review call (Core+ and Core Pro)
- ✓ Any outstanding questions addressed
The Monthly Rhythm
This is what the relationship looks like every month. Consistent, reliable, and built around your business — not our convenience.
- ✓ Books reconciled and financials delivered
- ✓ Monthly review call (Core+ and Core Pro)
- ✓ Proactive advice and planning throughout the year
- ✓ Responsive team available by phone or email
- ✓ Mid-year and year-end tax planning (Core+ and Core Pro)
Tax Time — Without the Drama
Because we've been in your books all year, tax season isn't a scramble. Your return is the result of 12 months of organized, accurate financials and proactive planning. No surprises. No shoebox of receipts.
- ✓ Federal and state business tax return prepared
- ✓ Owner individual return coordinated (where applicable)
- ✓ Electronic filing and secure document delivery
- ✓ Year-end strategy review and next-year planning (Core+ and Core Pro)
A Relationship That Gets Better Over Time
The longer we work together, the more valuable the relationship becomes. We know your history, your goals, your seasonality, and your business inside and out. That context is something you can't buy — it's built over time.
- ✓ Deeper advisory conversations as we learn your business
- ✓ Benchmarking year over year
- ✓ Strategic guidance as you grow, hire, or plan an exit
- ✓ A team that knows you — not just your file number
What Happens on Our End Each Month
You shouldn't have to wonder whether your books are done. Here's what our team completes every month without you having to ask.
Books Reconciled
All bank and credit card accounts reconciled. Every transaction accounted for, every discrepancy flagged.
Financials Prepared
Balance sheet, profit & loss statement, and general ledger reviewed and finalized. Adjusting journal entries made as needed.
Review Call (Core+ & Core Pro)
Your dedicated Client Advisor walks you through your financials, answers questions, and discusses anything relevant to your business.
Available When You Need Us
Questions come up between calls. Call or email your Client Advisor directly — no ticket system, no call center.
Proactive Advisory
We don't wait for you to call us. If we spot something in your numbers worth discussing — an opportunity, a concern, or a pattern — we bring it to you.
Tax Planning & Filing
Mid-year and year-end planning sessions (Core+ and Core Pro), followed by accurate, on-time tax return preparation and filing.
What Your Monthly Call Actually Covers
Your monthly review call isn't a status update — it's a working session. Here's what we cover.
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Financial review — We walk through your P&L and balance sheet so you understand exactly how the month went.
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Goals check-in — How are you tracking against your financial goals? What needs to change?
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Proactive advice — Anything we noticed in the books that you should know about — opportunities, concerns, or questions.
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Tax planning updates — Where do you stand with estimated taxes? Any year-end moves to consider?
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Your questions — Anything on your mind about your finances, your business, or your future plans.
We show up prepared. Every time.
Your Client Advisor reviews your financials before every call. We're not catching up while you wait — we come in with observations, questions, and talking points specific to your business that month.
"If you don't understand your numbers, we haven't done our job." — Our guarantee to every client.
Things People Ask Before They Start
Ready to See How It Works for Your Business?
Schedule a free consultation and we'll walk you through exactly what the process would look like for your specific situation.
Illinois: 847-949-8373 | Wisconsin: 262-375-2440